Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 NIV

In this chapter, James encourages believers to consider it pure joy when facing trials of all sorts. He asserts that testing faith produces perseverance. In addition, James leads us to ask God for wisdom. He adds to this an element of faith saying in James 1:6, “But let him ask in faith, without any doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed. WEB” James warns against being unstable and double minded. Believing without doubting is key. This demonstrates our trust in the Lord.

During difficult situations, some of us suffer from the temptation to forget the consistent goodness of God. When we lack something we desire, forgetting God and his timing, we sometimes attempt to acquire these “good things” for ourselves. The temptation to doubt the willingness and ability of God to provide every good and perfect gift arises.

The Good Things of God

God’s consistency promotes stability. On the other hand, instability leads to confusion and chaos. James tells us that “every good and perfect gift is from above.” He wants us to understand that God is the source of all the goodness in our lives. Further, God does not change when circumstances change. When our trials begin and changes occur, the good things of God remain consistent.

As we read in Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. WEB” Inconsistency is a human trait. Our emotional states change. Our understanding changes. We are inconsistent but God is not. The tendency to praise God when things are going well and to doubt when things are not is a human failing. We overcome this when we acknowledge God as the consistent source of what is good in our lives.

Yesterday’s Devotional: God Will Supply Your Needs